How Does Invisalign Work for Your Family?
If you’ve ever asked the question— “How does Invisalign work for my family?” — well, wonder no more. We designed this guide for all you wanted to know about this orthodontic treatment. Read on for answers to the following key topics, and please contact us when you are ready to talk more.
At Gorman & Bunch Orthodontics, our expert doctors have successfully treated more cases with Invisalign than 99% of doctors in North America — making us the #1 provider of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen within the state of Indiana. In fact, Dr. Gorman and Dr. Bunch were both selected specifically by Invisalign to teach this orthodontic method to new orthodontic residents and future Invisalign doctors at the Indiana University School of Dentistry.
WHAT IS INVISALIGN?
Invisalign treatment consists of a series of clear, removable, custom-made appliances — called aligners — used to straighten your teeth. When combined with our extensive knowledge of the 100-year-old science of orthodontics, the aligners shift your teeth in incremental steps to the final desired position for a healthier smile.
We begin the invisalign process by taking a digital scan and creating a 3D model of your teeth. We then go on to create a treatment plan based on the exact shape of your mouth. Invisalign then uses a plethora of advanced technologies to translate this digital plan into a series of customized aligners that you wear for one week at a time.
Your teeth shift gradually into their new positions as you continually wear and evolve your aligners. Then, after about 12-24 months, together we have achieved a new and healthier smile.
HOW DOES INVISALIGN WORK?
Before receiving treatment, we want you to fully understand the answers to the questions, “What is Invisalign” and “How does Invisalign work?” We use the latest 3D imaging technology to create a unique set of aligners made specifically for you and your needs. You will switch to new aligners every week as your teeth shift. Throughout the process, your teeth will gradually shift with each new aligner, resulting in a beautiful new smile.
The Invisalign System
The Aligners
Instead of using wires and brackets, Invisalign will straighten your teeth with a series of clear, custom-designed, and removable appliances called aligners. The aligners are virtually undetectable and created to move your teeth in small increments into the desired final position. Perfectly customized to fit your mouth, you wear each aligner for one week — for desired results, you can only take it out to eat, brush and floss.
The Scanner
Using a digital imaging scanner called iTero Element, we create a 3D image of your teeth in just a few minutes. This scan informs us to create the customized shape for your aligners
The Software
Next, we use software called ClinCheck to design the digital treatment plan directly from your scans. We can create the entire plan — from your first set of aligners to your beautiful new smile all by using this software.
The Material
Invisalign aligners are created from a material called SmartTrack. They are very comfortable, almost invisible, and easy to put in and take out. The SmartTrack material has been proven to apply a gentle, comfortable, pressure to your teeth in order to help shift them to the desired position.
The Attachments
We are able to make complex shifts to the position of your teeth without the use of traditional braces using Invisalign attachments called SmartForce. These are small tooth-colored pieces that connect to your teeth during treatment. Your aligners can fit snugly around the Invisalign attachments and this gives your aligners a little something extra to gently push on. Quick Note: These attachments are not necessary in every treatment plan.
The Retainer
Once treatment with your aligners is completed, we create a retainer within our offices so that we can keep your smile in place. These retainers are as clear as the aligners, and they maintain a healthy smile without noticing anything over your teeth.
If you still want to learn more, give our office a call and ask the front desk for some Invisalign reviews of past patients who can tell you more personal details about their experience with Invisalign.
Ready to schedule a free consultation?
April 7, 2020
A diastema, or gap between teeth, is usually a natural part of a child’s development. For many children, the gap between their two front teeth closes with the…
March 4, 2020
We all love a good transformation story, and there’s nothing better than celebrating our patients’ incredible orthodontic treatment journeys. In this post,…
January 15, 2020
The alignment of your teeth can drastically impact your health and overall comfort. If you or your child are consistently experiencing jaw pain, frequent…